“Maledicus is sure to be a literary horror classic. I was amazed to find that this story was not at all what I thought it would be. In this telling of good vs. evil, of bravery and self-sacrifice, we see a portrayal of the most constant of human struggles that death often defies through sheer force of will and therein lies the deeper meaning that brought this novel to life by the author, Charles F. French. Concurrently with the demonic theme is a well-thought out philosophical approach to horror, wrapped in an evocative story that will capture your fear and terrify you. This story is abundant with tantalizing details, unforgettable characters, and words that will not only touch your heart and mind, but also take your breath away. It is a completely riveting story with suspense, mystery, horror, bravery, and a great love that transcends time. You will not be able to forget this one. It will haunt you. And, when you read it, you will know why.”

K.D. Dowdall

“Once I started reading Maledicus I couldn’t put it down! I just finished it and I. HAVE. NO. WORDS… You better be writing a sequel 😀 That was incredible! I actually felt like I was going back in time and travelling through the ages. It was great to see the contrasts of each main character especially since it shows that different backgrounds/opinions can work together to make a great (and lovable) team. The theme of stopping bullies was ever present and really helped develop a great story line. I also loved the romance that was woven throughout the novel and it shows that love is omnipotent and will always conquer evil. I really loved how you intertwined the past with present and dreams with reality. Even the priest was not spared by Maledicus! I truly cannot express how great of a read this was!”

Amazon Customer

“The story is very Stephen King-esque, leading the reader into the minds of the characters and developing a plot line that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The horror and suspense elements make this an absorbing read, and the frequent shifting to various points of view increases the extent to which the novel becomes a page turner. I would definitely recommend the book to anyone looking for an eerie, engrossing read.”

Michelle H.

“Scary story! Love the characters (well, I don’t love Maledicus, of course) and their individual stories….much as one does with a Stephen King novel, you feel like you actually “know” the characters and come to enjoy their company and miss them when the book is over.

I do not usually deal with anything political on this site, but our times have become so extreme that I cannot pretend that writing and politics are disconnected in any way. Writers must speak our conscience.

Regarding President Trumps’s budget plan to make drastic cuts to Meals on Wheels, I remind everyone of that great writing, which was a morality tale and one of social critique: A Christmas Carol.

The ghost of his dead business partner, Jacob Marley, pays a visit to Ebenezer Scrooge to offer him a chance at redemption:

“But you were always such a good man of business, Jacob,” faultered Scrooge,

business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forebearance,

and benevolence, were, all, my business.” (Dickens 21)

The soul of a society, the spirit of a people, and the decency of a nation are largely determined by the treatment of the less fortunate. Cutting funding in any way for Meals on Wheels, which delivers food to those who might not otherwise eat, including many veterans, is an act of evil. We would do well to heed Dickens’ admonition.

Hello to everyone! I have entered the cover of my book Maledicus: The Investigative Paranormal Society Book I in Cover Wars. Please consider helping me with this contest. All you need to do is go to their site and vote! I realize this is shameless begging, but I am asking all for their help. I appreciate it deeply if you do vote for my cover!

As readers and writers, we create new worlds and engage with places built by other writers. Our imaginations inform our lives and give us gifts of wonder. I have often considered what it would be like if it were possible to enter into the world of a book, if it would be anything like I had imagined as I read it, or if that place would be entirely different. What would it be like if we found a key that allowed us to unlock a sealed door, behind which was the world of a book?

If I could visit any book, I would choose J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord Of The Rings. This work has been deeply important to me for most of my life, since I discovered it as a young teenager. I never cease to find the tale compelling, complex, and humanistic. Tolkien’s treatment of mythology and fantasy showed me that the creation of worlds is not an act of mere escapism but a way to shine a light on our world.

When I ask this question, I do not mean that you would necessarily engage with the characters or situations of the world, but that you would have the option of being an observer of its actualities as they are in the book. So, if you choose to answer, remember that you would not have to place yourself in any kind of danger, and you could have a visit of exploration instead.

I was asked this question several times over the last couple of years, often at writing conferences by other writers. I was thinking about it today, and my answer is deceptively simple: I write because I have stories to tell, characters to give life to, and because I love books.

I believe in the power of words to communicate between the author and the readers as I believe in the connection of human beings. All stories, no matter the genre, speak to that connection. I remain an eternal optimist and see writing as an expression of that hope. I see the journey into the imagination as creating not only places of wonder but possibilities for the growth of empathy and compassion. I see writing as a way to question society as well as to show its strengths. Mostly though, I am able to tell the stories I have within me.

Whatever tools you use to write with, no matter your topic or idea, regardless of the genre, and despite the point in the process–planning, drafting, revising, or editing–, I wish you a productive, fulfilling, and joyful Writing Day!